Diane Marie Roudebush

Diane Marie Roudebush, age 66, of New Philadelphia, died Sunday evening, March 15, 2015, in her residence, following a lengthy illness.

A daughter of Thelma (Moughiman) Whitehair of Sherrodsville and the late John Whitehair, Diane was born in Union Hospital at Dover on December 17, 1948.

She was a 1966 graduate of Conotton Valley High School and began working for the former LaFountaine’s Department Store. She later took a secretarial position with Joy Manufacturing where she met a young man named J. Alan Roudebush. The couple married on December 21, 1973 and recently celebrated their 41st, anniversary.

Following her work at Joy, Diane became employed by the City of New Philadelphia as the Clerk of Council, a position she held for 26 years prior to her retirement.

She was a lifetime member of Calvary United Methodist Church at Sherrodsville as well as a longtime member and active supporter of the New Philadelphia Band Boosters. In her free time, Diane enjoyed creating personalized greeting cards, watching Ohio sports teams and bowling. Above all, she loved spending time with her family and friends.

In addition to her mother and husband, Diane will be deeply missed by two daughters, Denise (Jason) Nelson and Jessica (Kai) Dessecker all of New Philadelphia; five siblings, John (Eileen) Whitehair, Jr. of Alliance, Karen (John) Evans of Dellroy, Judy (Joe) Walters of Sherrodsville, Jerry Whitehair of Massillon, and Mark Whitehair of New Philadelphia; a sister-in-law, Nancy Whitehair-Graham of Dover, and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members.

In addition to her father, Diane was preceded in death by her brother, James Whitehair.

The family will greet guests on Thursday, March 19, 2015, from 4:00 – 7:00 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. Pastors Ken Ogg and Brian Flood will lead a service celebrating Diane’s life in the funeral home’s chapel on Friday, March 20, 2015 at 10:30 AM. Burial will follow in the Sherrodsville Memorial Gardens. Following the service, all are invited to share in a meal and fellowship in the Social Hall of Calvary United Methodist Church.

Memorial contributions in Diane’s name may be directed to Community Hospice, 716 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663 or to Calvary United Methodist Church, 338 S. Church Street Sherrodsville, Ohio 44675.